Abstract
Uses "affirmative action" interchangeably with expressions such as employment equity, positive action, diversity management, etc. Surveys countries where ethnic or racial groups represent a majority of the population, as in Malaysia and South Africa, or a minority, as in the USA, Canada, India, or the case of religious dichotomy in Northern Ireland. Explores the impact of affirmative action on labour market outcomes and human resources management, and suggests ways how to assess the costs and benefits of affirmative action measures.